The LBJ Early College High School and Liberal Arts and Science Academy community, staff, families and friends joined together June 16 to celebrate the 2020 graduating class through a virtual ceremony.
Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the graduates of this year's class via a video statement. His remarks were followed by a speech from LBJ Principal Jon Bailey.
“Each of you have already displayed what it truly means to persevere, be resilient, showing passion, and remain persistent to ensure that you finish strong in receiving your diploma,” said Bailey.
Next, LBJ Student Council President Amaryllis Zamora spoke about making the most of future opportunities.
“From this day forward, let us make each decision with our best interests in mind. Let us believe in ourselves so that we may reach our goals and fulfill our dreams. Let us be the best we can be so that we may fill our lives and the lives of those closest to us with happiness and pride,” said Zamora.
Following Zamora was LBJ Salutatorian Lissett Buitrago, who spoke about personal growth.
“It's so mind-blowing, how it all went by so fast. It's like a blur, and look at us now, graduating and leaving our mark behind for the next graduating classes to follow,” said Buitrago.
Next, LASA Principal Stacia Crescenzi introduced Salutatorian Keyu Chen, who talked about support circles.
“I love the teachers I learned from, the students I've befriended, and it hurts to say goodbye to all this familiarity we've enjoyed for such a long period of our life, but every ending is a new beginning, and I think of the age of 18, even more so, a new start,” said Chen.
Before the reading of the names of each graduating senior, Valedictorian Nikhil Lyles highlighted the educational journey and hopes for the future.
“The past four years we've shared have been beautiful, and we alone have the power to define our outlook and our future,” said Lyles.
The ceremony concluded with a reading of the names of each graduating senior.
The ϱ community is proud of our students and eager to see their future accomplishments. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are #ϱProud of our #ϱGrads!
